Most NASCAR races see plenty of run-ins between drivers during a race, and Monday's Crayon 301 was no different for Michael McDowell and Ryan Preece.
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Both drivers having a strong race on Monday, July 17 until they made contact with each other midway through the 301-lap event in New Hampshire.
Preece — who has already famously vented his frustration with certain drivers in the Cup Series — wasn't too happy with McDowell following the race, and the two drivers exchanged words on pit road after climbing from their cars.
Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass was able to grab video of the drivers having a heated conversation with each other on their way back to the garage area.
After Ryan Preece came up to Michael McDowell on pit road, McDowell and Preece then continued the conversation in the garage.
Here is what their conversation in the garage looked like and McDowell telling reporters their contact was his fault. pic.twitter.com/qnbmAhLloz
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 17, 2023
Preece appeared unhappy with the way McDowell raced against him. Onboard cameras showed the two drivers made contact, and it was enough to derail a solid run for Preece's No. 41 team. He ended the day in 28th, while McDowell's No. 34 finished 13th.
A closer look at what happened on the track between @RyanPreece_ and @Mc_Driver during the final stage. pic.twitter.com/cVdjSXXuwr
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 17, 2023
Michael McDowell Addresses Collision, Apologizes
Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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The heated exchange between the two Ford drivers came with both looking for a possible surprise win to make the playoffs. Aggressive racing should be expected, as only a handful of opportunities are left for drivers such as Preece and McDowell to make the playoffs.
McDowell later took the blame for the incident both in a post-race interview and on Twitter, where he apologized to Ryan.
"It was 100% my fault," McDowell posted. "@RyanPreece_ has every right to be mad. I made a mistake, got loose, and ruined his day. I would be mad as well."
Preece thought New Hampshire was one of the tracks left before the playoffs where he could sneak a win, but it appears it is back to the drawing board for him. McDowell, on the other hand, looks to be in a much better situation with points, as he currently holds the 16th and final playoff spot.
Could we see these two drivers tussle again before it is all over? It's very possible.
